It was 2006 and I was about to head to my first NHL playoff game. I lived in Edmonton for a few years while going to broadcasting school at NAIT so I usually made my way to a few games a season. But I knew this was going to be a different experience.
The Oilers finished 8th that season and almost everyone counted them out after the first round. But they made it to the Western Conference Finals against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim after beating the Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks. I was beyond excited for this run since it been 16 years since they had won a cup. I convinced my buddy Daryle that we should go to a game if we could get tickets. They were hard to come by, but luckily I had a hook up for the game. Thanks Quinn and Rod.
We grabbed a couple of jerseys, made up some signs, and were on our way to game three at Rexall Place. The atmosphere was incredible. From the crowd singing the National Anthem, the heroin beers, and the 5-4 win! What a time! Now, Edmonton gets to experience this all over again.
Now, I’m not sure I’ll get to experience my favourite team in the Stanley Cup Finals in person, but this run has me reminiscing on 2006. Obviously, I’m writing a blog about it.
Superstitions play a big part in sports, whether you’re playing or a fan. I was wearing my Oilers orange jersey the last time they lost against the Stars so I switched to the jersey you see above. Since I did that, they haven’t lost. McDavid wore the same suit to games 4, 5, and 6.
So here is my issue. I wore this jersey non stop the last time they were in the finals and they lost in Game 7 to the Carolina Hurricanes. But they’re winning now that I’m wearing it again. I do have other jerseys I can wear, but I haven’t worn those ones this playoff run at all. They seemed to lose most times I wore the orange one, and buying a new one doesn’t feel right. If only all issues in life were this easy/hard!
